The Union-Endicott community is mourning the loss of one of its long-time school board members.
Dick Testa passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday.
Testa was a Union-Endicott graduate who spent 25 years on the school board, including seven years as its president.
In a Facebook post, Superintendent Nicole Wolfe said Testa would be remembered for his positive spirit and unwavering Tiger pride.
Here is Wolfe’s complete statement:
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of longtime Union-Endicott Board of Education member Dick Testa, who passed away on January 6.
As many of you know, Mr. Testa was a pillar of our community, both within our schools and far beyond them. He was a proud graduate of Union-Endicott High School, Class of 1961. After graduating from Syracuse University in 1965, he served two years in the United States Army before settling in Endicott with his wife, Nancy. Together, they raised their two children, Derrick Testa and Jennifer (Testa) Cottini, both of whom also graduated from Union-Endicott. He was an extremely proud “nonno” to his three grandchildren.
Mr. Testa’s commitment to service was remarkable. In addition to his involvement with Endicott Sertoma, Endicott Youth Baseball, American Legion Post 82 Baseball, and many other organizations, he dedicated over 25 years to the U-E Board of Education. He was a charter member of the Union-Endicott Education Foundation and volunteered thousands of hours as a special reader in our elementary schools.
His lifelong dedication was recognized through numerous honors, some of which include induction into the U-E Alumni Having Made a Difference (2017), the U-E Athletic Hall of Fame (2018), the PTA Founder’s Day Award (2004), Endicott Sertoman of the Year (three time recipient), and his role as Founder and Co-Chairperson of the Endicott Proud Board Advisory Team.
Mr. Testa will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, positive spirit, and unwavering Tiger Pride. His impact on U-E students, both in the classroom and on the athletic field, is far-reaching and lasting. There are no words to express how deeply he will be missed.
Details regarding arrangements will be shared as they become available. Please keep the Testa family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Nicole Wolfe
Superintendent of Schools
